Cindy Carleton is a member of the Farmington Area Arts Commission and is an artist in her own right, so her support of the arts is pretty obvious.

Now, with two pieces in the two-year exhibit at Farmington Hills City Hall, Carleton's own art is being supported. Carleton's two mineral pigment pieces are among the 74 items on display on the city hall walls.

It's a medium she's been using for a long time, crushing rocks and plants to make her pigments. The Farmington Hills resident is happy to have the pieces on display in her hometown, especially with the high-quality art that's been included.

"I'm inspired by everyone (in the exhibit)," Carleton said. "This is a great space. There's such a diverse amount of work here, it's amazing. It's fun to show with them."

The pieces are part of the city's Public Art Program, started in 2010 to enhance the newly renovated city hall. Art is chosen to be displayed for two-year periods. The program is designed to bring art into the daily lives of visitors to city hall —- some 60,000 people pass through the building over the two years — and generate conversation in the halls.

The exhibit is created from the work of applicants to the program. For the first time, this year's program accepted online applications — and more than 100 people applied. The 74 items that adorn the walls were chosen from among some 450 pieces submitted.

And, for the first time, the contest drew international attention, with applicants coming from as far away as Brazil, Morocco and India.

She didn't come from any of those far-off countries, but Patrice Donnelly of Davisburg is part of the exhibit. She found out about the opportunity when a friend sent her the information. She works in multiple mediums, including watercolor and ink, and submitted two pieces (both were accepted).

"We need limitless supplies and combinations, so we can express more of what we want to say to the world," Donnelly said.

Rachel Timlin, cultural arts supervisor for the city, said the program's popularity is pretty easy to see.

Voting on the best work took place Monday night, with the winner — Michele Gardynik of Farmington Hills — getting an extended solo show, which could last eight weeks or more, Timlin said.

"It's just a good chance to display your work for a long period of time," Timlin said. "A lot of galleries only exhibit for a couple of weeks. And with 60,000 people coming through here during those two years, a lot of people see their work."